Valve tag



Jan. 17, 1933. M. G. MARKLE 1,894,381;

VALVE TAG l Filed Aug. 2. 195o 2 sneets- Sxge' J1V l RIGHT HND 7v 1933- M. G. -MARKLE 1,894,381

VALVE TA@ Filed Aug. 2, 1930 2 sheets-sheet 2 Patented Jan. 17, 1933 uNrrED STATES MATI-IEW G. MARKLE, OF OK PARK, ILLINOIS VALVE TAG Application filed August 2,1930. Serial No.v472,542.

This invention relates to valve tags and more particularly to an indicating tagadapted to be disposed in an underground valve box of the type generally known as ka 5 Buffalo box for purposes of precluding the insertion of a suitable T-wrench into the valve box for engagement with the valve stem .of a valve controlling, a main conduit requiring first reading of the indicia on the valve "lo tag thereby compelling a prospective operator of such a valve to first note. and cheek up the number of such valve;

y In public utility household services such for example as in the distribution of gas for 15 heating and lighting purposes, water or the like, various mam conduits :are tapped off of a central main running from a central dispensing station and each of the main conduits are further tapped for distribution to indi- '20 vidual consumers in localized communities.

ccasionally, `particr-.larly in the case of vgas distribution, due to unavoidable corrosion of conduits, the individual consumer conduits require repair. The general practice is to 5 caution suchindividual consumers who obtain gas from the particular main conduit sought to be repaired `to the effect that betvveen'eertain hours gaswill not be available for consumption. It frequently happens that aplurality of main lcontrol valves are located in close proximity to veach other. In such cases, an operator is sent out to close the particular valve controllingv the main conduit sought to be repaired at the predetermined '35 hour and when the repairs -have been completed,zthesame or another operator is dispatched to open such valve. In cases. Where a plurality of such valve boxes are located in close proximity to each other, thereis always 0 a danger of an operator cutting o'thewrong @main line or conduit and in such a case, those consumers who 'have not been previously warned and who may be at .the'time using gas from such line, are subjected to danger 45V 01j. explosion or asphyxiation whentthevvalve is again turned onto `rectify the `error.

The present invention is designed'to elimic .nate such dangersas are connected withpresent practice. To this end `1t 1s proposed to interposejin each valve orfBuffalo` box a suitable pivoted tag supported in the valve box adjacent the cover thereof to normally extend across the path of ymovement of the usual tool employed to operate the valve.

The tag is preferably disposed in a horizontal tion of the valve.v Thus when a prospective .Y

operator first removes the cover of the valve box, he is immediately confronted with the valve tag which precludes insertion of the usual tool required for the operation of the valve and at the same time he is also confronted with the number of other identifying characters of the valve. He may thus quickly and readily check up on the identity of the valve. Preferably, the valve tag is mounted for pivotal movement from a horizontal plane upwardly into the space normally yoccupied by the valve box cover.A Thus after the valve has been properly identified, the operator must swing the valve `tag to an upright position out of the path ofwmovement of the usual y valve operating` tool, in. order to bev able to insert the tool into vthe valve box and proceed with the operation of the valve and removal of the tool. Before he can replace the valve ybox cover however, he must first replace the kvalve tag. `Thus it is compulsory upon the operator tolirst elevate the tag prior to operation of the valve, and it is equally com* pulsory upon him to replace the valve tag in its normal operative horizontal position,` Erior'to leaving the valve box, in yorder to e able to replace the box cover. Y More specifically, one modified form of the valve tag comprises a sheet metal stamping,l preferably formed of one-,piece which is provided With a pair of lspaced, ears'adapted to embrace the head of a suitable' stud secured to the wall of the valve box adjacent the cover seat. f To provide for a suitable brace or sup- .f

porting portion to maintain the tag in ,hori- Zontal or transverse position with respect to the path of accessibility of the valve, the portion of the tag between the ears is bent downwardly and then reversely so that in the op` erative position of the valve tag, the reversely bent ortion will abut the inner periphery ofthe valve box adjacent the stud.

ln "another modified form of a device embodying the salient features of the present invention, the tag comprises a malleable iron casting, the main body portion being preferably circular in configuration and being provided with suitable reinforcing ribs on its under side. A pair of these ribs extend in proximate parallel relation and terminate in integral parallel ears beyond the outer periphery, such ribs being formed on a taper whereby the earsare relatively wide. The outer edges of the ears are slightly beveled to engage the inner periphery of a valve box thereby functioning as stop means. The main body portion is further provided with a somewhat thicker reinforcing peripheral rim. A pair of aligned reinforcing ribs provided on the under side of the body portion extend radially outwardly to the rim'periphery, their inner ends joining the parallel ribs hereinbefore noted. f

The ears are provided with aligned transverse recesses'for the passage therethrough of a suitable pivot pin which is journaled in the head of a suitable stud disposed between the ears. Preferably, a sheet metal plate etched or stamped with suitable identifying indicia is seated upon the upper side of the body portion within the rim, the plate being secured to the tag body by means ofrivets` or in any other suitable or desired manner. ln cases where new valve or Buffalo boxes are to be installed the valve tag'may vbe suitably secured to the valve box wall by merely drilling a hole to accommodate the stud and a nut threaded over the end of the stud thereby permanently securing the tag in place inasmuch as thenut will, in the 'i ground embedded position of the valve box,

be on the outside ofthe box.V ln cases of valve' boxes already installed, a suitable hole may be drilled from the inner'periphery of the valve box through the outer adjacent the lower portion of the cover seat, the hole then suitably tapped and the stud threaded into such tapped hole.

The advantages of the device embodying the features of the present invention are:

A permanently attached'valve tag is provided; the valve tag being disposed immediately under'the usual Vbox cover, is main-V tained free from 'the effects of inclement weather conditions; the deviceY may bequ'icle ly andl readily installed in present valve boxes already in use; it is durable and may be j economically manufactured. and" installed; it

-is positioned whereit must be encountered before the valve which is to be operated may scription of a preferred embodiment of my.

invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a vertical section througha valve or Buffalo box illustrating the usual position of the valve and main, and embody-V ing one form of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view looking down intok the box with the valve tag in operative or obstructing position, the cover of the valve box having been removed;

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary section of the upper end of the valve'box taken substantially along the line 3-3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4; is a side elevation ofthe valve tag and stud per se;

l* igure 5 is a section similar to'thatV shown in Figure 4f, illustratingV a modifiedV mountfV inov ofthe tag; y

figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 2, illustre-.ting a modiiiedform ofvalve tag;

Figure 7 is a side elevation of the tag and stud per se shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a section taken alongv the line 8 8 of Figure 6, the valve box and nutbeing omitted; and Y Figure 9 is a section taken along the line 9 9 of Figure 8.

ln Figure 1, I a commonly employed form of valve box generally indicated at10 comprising Jan upper section 11 and a lower section 12, the latter being provided with external threads at its upper end and the former `being provided" with internal threads to take onto the threads of the section 12 for purposes of adjusting the valve box to the required length. The

lower section 12 is provided with an enlarged portion 13 atits extreme lower end which is adapted to be positioned over a valve 14 associated in a main conduit 15.

The upper section 11y is providedV at its upperend with an enlarged portion 16 form-` ing with the bodyV portion of section 11, a seat 17 for suitably accommodating a box cover 1 8. i

Referring now more particularly to Fighave illustrated in section"- ico lli)

ures 2, 3 and 4, the valve-tag of the present form comprises a one-piece sheet metal body portion 19 of vsubstantially circular configuration provided at one side thereof with two laterally extending spaced lugs orextensions 20, each of whichfterminates'in a'rolled ear 21. j The extensions or lugs 20 are preferably Aformed by stamping and the portion therebetween is vbent downwardly asindicated at 22 in angular Arela-tion to the'body portion 19 and then is bent upwardly to form a'suitable stop portion 23. The ears 2l fare suitably 'spaced apart to accommodate .therebetween a -b'oltzor screw head 24 of square cross section, thishead 24 being 4provided with a transverse 'hole 25. A suitable headed pin 26 extends lthrough the ears v21 and hole 25 and is peened'or riveted over for retention against displacement. The body portion of 'the stud is threaded as indicated at 27.

Referring more particularly to Figure 3,

the valve 'box is provided with 'a hole y28 to accommodate the body portion of the stud adjacent and in proximity tothe coverseat 17. The'stud ispthen passed through this hole 28 and a suitable lnut 29 threadedover the Lbody portion to rigidly secure the stud tothe wall of the valve box.

I prefer to employ Monel metal in the construction 'of the valve Vtag body portion 19 Abut it will be understood that any other "bodyportion A19 is horizontal with the brace or'stop portion 23 abutting against the inner periphery of thewall of the valve lbox in proximity to the stud so that the valve tag body 'portion 19 extends transversely across the normal path of movement of a suitable T-wrench when it is desired to connect the lusual socket of such wrench with the valve stem. Thus immediately upon 'removal of vcover 18, an operator must first take note of the rvalve tag due tothe requirement that it be moved out of the path of the tool or wrench,'and in doing-so he is promptly confronted with-the indicia identifying the par-V ticularvalveencased by the valve-box. Thus priorto theoperation of the valve, an operator is compelled to take noteof the characteristic designation 30 of the valve. In'the :inoperative or non-obstructing position, the vtag body portion 19 assumes the position Yillustrated inv dotted lines inFigure 3. lWhen the valve has been suitably operated, in order to replace the cover 18, it is necessary for the operator to first replace the'valve tag to its normal operative position as indicated infull lines in Figures 1 and 3. Thus the operator is positively compelled to replace the valve tag. `It will be readily apparent that by the interposition of the valve tag embodying l* the salient features of the present invention,

the element of human error or negligenceis entirely eliminated.

In Figure 5, Iy have illustrated a modified `mounting of the valve tag. The valve 'tag body'portion 19V with its integral extensions '-20, stop portion`23 and suitable indica are identical'in structure with that disclosed 'in the-modification illustrated in Figureslto 4 inclusive. The modification primarilyfre- 95 sides infthe provision ofafsuita'bly threaded pivotal 'movement lunderstood that any other suitable :sheet stud'31-preferably employing-the Il. S. ystandard thread. In the instant case, the itag is applied to the upper end of avalve box which is already embedded in the groundand inthis j case a suitable hole 32 is drilled fromthe-top of the valve box at aslight'angle downwardly adjacent the' valve'box cover seat 17', the h`ole`32 being suitably tapped to accommodate the :threads ofthe stud 31. The yfunction and operation of the valve tag rillustrated'in FigureV 5 will be clearly apparent.

Referring now more particularly to Figures `6 to 9 inclusive, I have illustrated a modified form of valve tag preferably formed of malleable cast iron. In this case, the tag comprises a main bodyv portion 40, the central portion 41 of which is relatively thin. The body portion is preferably rof circular conliguration and is provided at its outer .95

periphery with a reinforcing rim l42. The under side of the body portion 40 is suitably reinforced by a pair of parallel depending tapered ribs 43 which terminate to one side of the body portion 40'and beyond the rim 90 42 thereof in spaced parallel ears 44. Each of these ears 44 is defined by-an upper edge :extending from the upper side ofthe rim 42, then curved upwardly away `from the rim periphery, 'and terminated at its -router edge in a beveled edge 45 perpendicular to the-plane ofthe body portion-40. The'purpose of the bevel edges 45 will be hereinafter explained. The ears 44 are suitably spaced apart to accommodate therebetween the head 46 of a stud 47, the ears being provided with suitable aligned holes 48 and the head having a transverse hole 49 therein, holes 48 and 49 `being'adapted to be aligned for the reception` therethrough of a headed pin l50, the opposite end of which 'may be suitably riveted yor peened over as indicated at 51 to suitably connect the tag with the stud 47 fori relative As in the case of the mounting stud illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 inclusive, the stud 47-in the instantmodilicationy is'threaded'asfindicated Lat 52 either for the purpose of receiving thereon a nut`53 'or for purposes of direct threading into a7V suitablyvtapped hole in the valve box upper sec-` i115 tion adjacent the cover seat. Y

A secondpair of aligned ribs are provided on the under side of the bodyportion 40 `and extend radially outwardly to the rim.42.from the parallel ribs 43.

Inasmuch as the rim 42 is substantially thicker than the central body portion 41, a suitable seat 55 is provided for lthe accom-l modation therein of a sheet metal identifying plate 56 upon which suitable indiciazidentifying the valve with which the'tagis'adapted to be associated may be etched or stamped.

I prefer to Vemploy lsheet aluminum forgthe identifying'plate although it willbe readily e sition in the seat by rivets 57 although any other suitable or preferred means maybe employed. j

As will be apparent from Figure 6, the bevel edges 45 of the ears 44 will serve as stop portions to retain the tag in horizontal position and will be readily accommodated to the inner periphery of the valve box.

The functiony and operation of the modified form of tag illustrated in Figures 6 to 9 ine elusive will be readily apparent.

It will be of course understood that in place of casting, the tag may be made in any other preferable or desired manner and any other preferred metal may be employed.

While I have illustrated several preferred embodiments of my invention, I do not wish to be limited thereto as certain changes may be made therein Without departing from the essence of the invention orthe spirit' and scope of the appended claims. y

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is: A

1. The combination with avalve box including a valve at one end thereof accessible from the other end, of means interposed between said latter end and said valve in the path of accessibility whereby accessibility of said valve vis normally precluded, and

indicia on said means suitably identifyingv said valve to a`V prospective operator ofthe valve. n l

2. The combination with a valve box in cludinga valve at one end thereof accessible from the other end and a cover seat and cover at said latter end, of a vstud secured to said box, a plate pivotally supported thereon for movement into and out of the path of accessibility of said valve, and stop means on said plate, adjacent the pivotal support adapted to engage the inner periphery of said box to normally retain said plate across said path of accessibility therebynormally precluding access to said valve.

3. The combination with a valve box in4 cluding avalve at one end thereof accessible from the other end and a cover seat and cover at said latter end, of a stud secured to said box, a plate pivotally supported thereon for movement into and out ofthe path of accessibility of said valve, stop means on said plate adjacent the pivotal support adapted to engage the inner periphery of said box to normally retain said plate across said path of accessibility thereby normally precludhig access toV said valve, and indicia on said plate suitably identifying said valve to a.; prospective operator.

4. The combination with a valve box including a valve at one end thereof accessiblev from the otherend and a cover seat ,Y and cover at said latter end, of a. stud secured to said box adjacent said cover seat and ex' from 'the other end and a cover seat and cover at said latter end, of a stud secured to said box adjacent said cover seat and extending inwardly ofthe inner periphery of said box, a plate member having a pair of spaced ears extending laterally therefrom, a pin passing through said ears and stud for pivotally supporting said plate member on said stud, anV

integral stop projection extending downwardly between said ears `adapted to engage the inner peripheryV of said box to normally retain said plate 1n the path of accessibility of said valve thereby normally precluding access tothe valve, andjindicia on'said valve suitably identifying said valve to a prospective operator.

(i. The combination withV a valve box including a valve accessible from one end of andthreugh the box, a coverseat, and a cover adapted to be positioned in saidseat, of means disposed in said box adjacent said cover seat and normally extending into the path of accessibility of said valve thereby normally precluding access to the valve through said Y end, saidmeans being movable into thespace normally occupied by said cover in inoperative position thereby requiring` movement thereof to operative or accessibility precluding position prior to seating Y its seat. Y

7. The combination with `a valve box inf cluding a valve accessible from one end of and of said cover in through the box, a coverv seat, and acover adaptedvto Vbe positioned in said seat, of a p late pivotally associated with theinner periphery of said box adjacent said seat, and

means bracing said )late for retaininoP the plate in a positionfnormally precluding passage to said valve ofanoperating tool, said plate being swingableto an inoperative or non-precluding position to obstruct seating of said cover thereby requiring movement thereof to operative or precluding positionprior to seating of said cover in its seat. Y

8. The combination with a valve box including a valve accessible from, one end of and throughthebox, a cover seat, and a cover adapted to be positionedin saidseat,.of a stud connected to said box adjacent saidseat, a plate pivotally 'connected to Vsaid stud for swingingrmovement into andout of` a positionfor obstructing passage of a valve oper ating tool through said end to the valve, and stop means on said plate adapted to engage the inner periphery of said box adjacent said stud to limit movement of said plate in one direction to operative or obstructing position, said plate being movable to inoperative or non-obstructing position to preclude seating of said cover in its seat thereby requiring movement thereof to operative or tool obstructing position prior `to seating of said cover.

9. The combination with a valve box including a valve accessiblefrom one end of and through the box, a cover seat, and a cover adapted to be positioned in said seat, of a stud connected to said box adjacent said seat, a one-piece metal plate having spaced ears to accommodate said stud therebetween,

a pin passing through said ears and stud` for supporting said plate for pivotal movement in said box into and out of a position for obstructing passage of a valve operating tool through said end to said valve, and stop means on said plate adapted to engage the inner periphery of said box adjacent said stud to limit movement of said plate in one direction to operative or obstructing position,

said plate being movable to inoperative orA nonobstructing position to preclude seating of said cover in its seat thereby requiring movement thereof to operative or tool obstructing position prior to seating of said cover. v

10. The combination With a valve box including a Valve at one end thereof accessible from the other end, of a pivoted plate supported in said box and comprising a body portion, reinforcing ribs on said body, and a pair of spaced ears extending laterally from said body, said ears having stop portions thereon adapted to engage the inner periphery of said box to normally retain said plate across the path of accessibility thereby norc mally precluding access to said valve.

11. The combination with a valve box including a valve at one end thereof accessible from the other end, of a pivoted plate supported in said box and comprising a body portion, reinforcing ribs on said body, a pair of spaced ears extending laterally from said body, said ears having stop portions thereon 

